MAORI MEMORIES

Wairarapa Times-Age, 14 January 1939, Page 8

MAORI MEMORIES

THE WORSHIP OF NATURE.

(Recorded by J.H.S. for “Times-Age.”)

The Maori religion was marked by one outstanding feature—reverence for all things in nature. They worshipped Rangi the Heavens, Papa the Earth, Puia the Forest, Ra whiti Sunshine, and many other manifestations of Creation. Rongo, the God of Peace, ana Tu, of War, were also among their Atua (gods). So deeply impressed were they with reverent awe for these Creators and Guardians of all living things, that their worship, like the genuine love between man and woman, was absolutely silent. Moreover, in their Whakairo (wood carving) and their Moko (tattoo marks), they would not imitate anything in nature, not a leaf, a flower, a tree, or any living creature. Contrary to our opinion of their being idol worshippers, their hideous carvings were not imitations of persons or of personified gods. They were Whiro (evil spirits), not of nature. Polly Harris, a dear little American friend, quite unconsciously gives her clear indication of Maori nature worship in this poem which she sent me as a birthday greeting: —

CRY OF THE REDWOODS. BE TALL For there are stars to touch And worlds undreamed above a lifted spire. BE STRAIGHT For there are others ’round Who, crowded, cannot reach what they aspire. BE GREEN For he is always young Who holds eternal parley with the Spring. BE GLAD So that all lovely things Within your joyous boughs may nest and sing. BE STRONG For there are winds that blow, And long to tear away your plumed crest. STAND FAST And you will some day hold The Wisdom of the ages in your breast. BE TRUE That men will upward look Unto that spire, which, rising from the sod, HAS GROWN When it is tall with years Into an Anthem on the hills of God.